1. Final Exam Preparation
To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace. -George Washington

2. Do you feel like this when you start thinking about preparing for final exams?

3. After today you will know…
Have a review of your learning & studying preferences
How to fill your study toolbox
What your study schedule is for final exams
Helpful Tips to Achieve Successful Studying
Organize
Spend Time Wisely
Strategize to Overcome Problems
Tips for Taking a Final Exam

4. What is your learning preference?
Before you can begin preparing, you need to understand how you learn best…
Auditory
Experiential
Visual
Combo
What is your
learning preference?

5. What is your studying preference?
Group sessions
Alone
With distractions
Without distractions (at library, etc.)
Timed Studying
-studies show we retain the first 20 and last 20 mins of a study session
Other ways you prefer to study?

6. What is in your study toolbox?
Notes
Tests from the semester
Snacks
Water or Coffee
Watch
Computer
What else will you put in?

7. Organize – So you know where to start!
When will you have time to study?
168 hours in a week
Block out committed times Work/School/Other required commitments
Block out sleep, eating, and personal readiness
Look at times left and other needs
When should the most difficult courses be studied
Let’s begin to make out your study plan Use handouts provided & Final Exam Schedule for Spring 2012

8. Organize – Study Plan
For each class identify difficulty and final exam preparation needs
Cumulative Exam?
Percentage towards final grade?
What materials should I study?
Use syllabus and notes to determine topics to study
How much emphasis was put on each topic area or chapter?
Rate your level of knowledge
(1=none to 10=completely comprehend)
Based on all of the above, designate blocks of time you study for each course.
Be sure to keep in mind how much time you have until your first exam and in between each exam
Use your “Exam Planner” to help organize!
For each class, gather the relevant study materials, tools and equipment.
For example, you’ll need your course outline, class notes and your text or lab manual. If you have study guides, lab exams and midterms, gather those as well. Make sure you have the correct answers for any exams.
Make a list of the topics you’ve covered during the term or the year.
This list of topics and estimate your current level of knowledge of this topic, on a scale from 1–10 and jot this number in pencil beside the topic heading.
Based on these estimates, decide which topics to study first and which will take the longest.
Once you have identified the most important and difficult topics, review your exam schedule to see how much time is available for this exam and assign a block of time for each topic.

9. Spend Time Wisely!! Plan for adequate sleep, exercise, and meals
The remaining class and study times are precious – miss only for extreme reasons!!
Watch your energy and anxiety levels
A little anxiety is a good thing—what if you have too much anxiety?
Schedule time for adequate sleep, exercise and meals.
Your brain depends on these to function.
Be careful about the amount of coffee and soda you drink.
Watch your energy and anxiety levels.
Your ability to learn depends on your ability to concentrate!
A little anxiety actually helps your motivation, but too much interferes with your ability to concentrate, interferes with sleep, and drains your energy.
Too much anxiety, must be managed…how will you manage? Exercise, relaxation techniques, etc.

10. Strategize to Overcome Problems
Pay attention to your attention
Agree with Roommates about study time
Turn off the phone/TV/Facebook
Learn to say “no”
Hang out a “do not disturb” sign
Avoid noise distractions
Are you letting others misuse your time?
Pay attention to your attention – Be aware of your internal interruptions. If you keep interrupting your studying to remind yourself of something, decide to do it before studying or write yourself a note to do at a later time.
Agree with roommates about study time – Make the rules clear to roommates, parents, spouses and kids. Once they are set, stick to them and follow them yourself.
Turn off the phone– Stay off the phone when you are trying to study. Simply say “I can’t talk right now, I’m studying.” Most people will understand if it has to do with your education.
Learn to say “no”– Saying “no” to a request can be done effectively and courteously. Others want you to succeed as a student and will understand if you say you cannot do something because you are busy studying.
Hang a “do not disturb” sign on your door – This will let others know that you are working.
Avoid noise distractions – Studying in a quiet environment is best; library, designated study area, etc.
Notice how others misuse your time – Be aware of repeat offenders who interrupt your studying. If avoiding the interrupter is impractical, then send a clear message

11. Strategize to Overcome Problems
When you get stuck…
What is one task I can accomplish?
Am I being too hard on myself?
Does this need to be perfect?
Can I do just one more thing?
What is the best use of my time right now?
Can I delegate this?
How did I just waste time? (cleaning bathroom)

12. Strategize to Overcome Problems
Avoid Procrastination…
Make your plans a part of public record
Study with others
Step back and check your progress from time to time
Begin by Using the 5 minute plan
Verbalize your excuses
Visualize success or completion
Find a reward

13. Tips for Taking a Final Exam
What is your mind set?
Preview all questions before beginning!!!
Plan your time/Points/Weighted
Mind Dump/Anxiety Reduction
Read each question carefully
Look for specifics in the directions for each section
Guess – leave nothing blank!
Take the entire time allotted - Be last to Finish
Review test, be sure it is complete

14. Is Your Toolbox Complete?

15. QUESTIONS?? Heather Spell Arrington 898-2339
Assistant Director
University College Advising Center